The Gérald Genta-designed Nautilus from Patek Philippe is a bona fide icon in the watch industry, and much like its counterpart from Audemars Piguet, the Royal Oak, which was also penned by Genta, it has seen minimal changes during its nearly 40 years in production. In fact, to the untrained eye, the ref. 3700 would look exactly the same as the modern ref. 5711/1A “Jumbo”.
It is for this reason that something as simple as a change in dial color is so significant, and why folks are buzzing over the new white-dialed variant that Patek Philippe quietly unveiled at Basel this year. The overall effect is startling to say the least, and definitely lends a more sporty, casual feel to the Nautilus. With its paper-white dial and bold, outlined indexes and date window, this is one Patek that will not hide on the wrist.
Dial color aside, the reference 5711/A/011, as it is officially known, remains the same as its blue-green dialed brother, with a slim, integrated bracelet and Patek’s remarkably thin, in-house Caliber 324 S C automatic movement under the hood. Considering just how revered the Nautilus is, this is one instance where we won’t complain about a skin deep makeover.
Color us impressed.
